Shirley Kay Elchert

Shirley Kay (Bowers) Elchert, 68, of Tiffin, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

Shirley was born June 28, 1957, in Tiffin, to the late Gerald Bowers and Evelyn (Bretz) Myers. She married Lawrence James Elchert at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tiffin on October 11, 1980 and he survives in Tiffin.

Other survivors include her children, Justin Elchert of California, Jamie Elchert of Columbus, Taylor (Austin Harrison) Elchert of Tiffin, Allie (Tanner Fisher) Elchert of Boston, MA, six grandchildren, a brother, Ronald Bowers of Minnesota, a sister, Regina (Bob) Holland of Tiffin and a step-sister, Deborah (Don) Weller of Tiffin.

Shirley enjoyed working as a nurse helping to care for people with developmental disabilities. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and shopping. She especially loved feeding her fish in the pond and watching her grandchildren play nearby. Shirley was a 1975 graduate of Old Fort High School, Bowling Green University where she earned a degree in Architecture and also earned her Nursing Degree from Owens.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Casey Elchert.

Shirley’s family will remember her most for the quiet strength with which she loved them. She found joy in simple things: watching her flowers bloom, cooking for her family, and spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly knew her as “Peeka”.  Her steady presence, strong will, and enduring love will remain rooted in the hearts of her family.

There will be private family services held at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin. Burial will also be private at St. Mary cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Casey Elchert Scholarship Fund at Tiffin Community Foundation.

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